How do you complain about conditions in the place of detention?
Complaint to the administration of the detention centre
If you are not satisfied with a particular situation at the place of detention, you may first try to resolve the issue by informing the staff on duty. If they are unable to help, you should submit a written complaint to the head of the detention facility.
You may also request compensation if you believe you have suffered material or non-material (moral) damage as a result of inappropriate conditions or treatment. Foreigners and stateless persons who lawfully stay in Ukraine have the right to protection of their rights and freedoms, including the right to file complaints and seek remedies, under the same conditions as Ukrainian citizens, unless otherwise provided by law.
What to write
When submitting a complaint, you should describe in detail the situation, including all relevant facts, the nature of the violation, how it occurred, and any evidence you have. If needed, the institution may ask for additional explanations or documents.
Procedure
You have the right to receive a written response to your complaint within one month from the date it was submitted, in accordance with general rules of handling appeals.
If the violation is confirmed, the head of the institution may issue orders to eliminate the consequences or refer the matter to other competent authorities. The complaint itself does not automatically entitle you to compensation – that is assessed based on the factual confirmation of unlawful or inappropriate actions.
Appeal
If you are not satisfied with the response, you may file a complaint to a higher administrative body or supervisory institution. The written decision must clearly state the authority to which you can appeal and the timeframe for appeal (usually 10 or 30 calendar days, depending on the institution and subject matter).
Complaint relating to health
If you were examined or treated by a doctor during your detention and are not satisfied with the quality or conditions of medical care received, you have the right to file a complaint to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine or the relevant regional health authority (depending on the institution that provided the care).
If you are a refugee or a person granted complementary protection, you are entitled to free medical assistance on the same basis as Ukrainian citizens, as established by law and financed through the state and local budgets.
If you are a protection seeker (i.e., you have applied for refugee or complementary protection status but have not yet received a decision), you are entitled only to paid medical services, except for emergency care, which is provided under the state medical guarantee program – but must be fully reimbursed by you before leaving Ukraine. In your complaint, describe the situation, what treatment you received, why you believe it was inappropriate or inadequate, and include any medical records, receipts, or witness statements if available.
The responsible institution may contact you for further details or supporting documents. Complaints to health authorities are reviewed free of charge. You must receive a written response within one month from the date of submission, in accordance with the general rules for handling applications in Ukraine.
Detailed information about your right to medical assistance, complaint procedures, and the responsibilities of state authorities, are provided for in the Law of Ukraine “On Refugees and Persons in Need of Additional or Temporary Protection”, the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “On approval of the Procedure for providing medical assistance to foreigners and stateless persons” and the Law of Ukraine “On Citizens’ Appeals”.